Post burn avenues in rehabilitation of female burn victims

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation is now an essential and integral part of burn treatment starting right from the time of admission. Objectives: The objective of the study is to create a liaison between burn victims and rehabilitation services so as to help the patients lead a better life. Methods: A longitudinal study of one and half year duration (May 2009 to October 2010) was conducted among adult female burn victims admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India. Sampling technique adopted for the study was universal sampling i.e. all the female burns victims above 18 years of age who were admitted during the study period and were willing to participate in the study were included. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic details and details about burns injury. Subsequently each of them was followed up for two months duration after their discharge from hospital to keep track of their health status / social problems and utilization of rehabilitation services depending upon their needs. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-17 version. Results: Case fatality rate was found to be 35%. Out of 48 women who were followed up, only 3(6.2%) had undergone reconstructive surgery for contractures while 14(29.1%) women had developed contractures. Conclusion: Counseling services deserve special attention and play a vital and indispensable role in rehabilitation of burn victims not only during hospital stay but also after discharge. There is an immense need of giving emphasis on promotion of positive thinking, significance of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, measures for prevention of secondary infections & contractures and facilitating vocational guidance for earning own livelihood for an independent living.